PEARL HARBOR - Although great strides have been made in safety
gear and training programs in recent years, Sailors and Marines continue
to incur injuries and in some instances while riding motorcycles their
lives come to an abrupt and tragic end.

Statistically, according to the Navy Safety Center, numbers for both
have decreased, however there is room for improvement to reducing the
numbers even further.

In 2013, there were 17 Sailor fatalities, less than half of a
statistically much high number which reached a staggering 33 in 2008.
Nonetheless, one fatality is too many according to Cmdr. Leo Murphy,
Commander, Pacific Fleet Safety Officer.

“Even when riders wear the proper safety equipment and complete the
mandatory training and refresher courses, motorcycle riding remains an
inherently dangerous mode of transportation. Riding motorcycles is a
high risk activity. The risks are inherent to riding and cannot be
feasibly eliminated. The best preventative measure that a rider can take
is to increase their riding skill level. That is best accomplished
through training provided by professional instructors. Statistically,
there is a direct correlation with the training the Navy provides and a
reduction in motorcycle mishaps,” said Murphy.

He emphasizes importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and
proficiency in order to avoid becoming a statistic. “Riding a motorcycle
is not like riding a bike, it is better to learn the necessary skills to
safely handle a motorcycle on a designated road course, than learning
through "trial by fire" on public streets. Preventive training pays,
especially for inexperienced riders who are most at risk during the
first year of riding. Rider skills training is the best tool we have in
preventing motorcycle mishaps,” Murphy said.

In addition to increasing the necessary skills needed to get safely
to and from respective destinations, being in positive control
regardless of level of experience and type of motorcycle is vital,
according to Murphy. “First those who choose to ride must understand
the risks they are assuming. Once that fact is acknowledged, a rider can
then develop effective risk management practices. Risk management is an
essential part of safe riding and lessons learned from motorcycle
mishaps highlight this fact. Riders must recognize their skill level and
develop a ride plan that limits themselves to within their safe
operating limits.”

All Sailors know how to implement Operational Risk Management, or
O.R.M, to their jobs at sea and shore. The same applies to risk
management when riding a motorcycle. “This limit might be daytime group
rides only or not riding on highways, or some other self-imposed
limitation on when, where, and how a rider will ride. Understanding your
limitations and determining the risks you are willing to accept will
define safe riding and should be done before you get on a motorcycle.
The use of sound risk management practices, rider vigilance, and
training reduces the probability of motorcycle mishaps,” said Murphy.
Although military personnel receive training, obey the rules of the
road, and wear PPE, that doesn’t necessarily mean that others on the
road will have the same level of alertness. According to Murphy, when
we’re behind the wheel of motor vehicles, everyone needs to pay
attention to what’s around them.

“In Hawaii we call that “Aloha Spirit.” It means for other four
wheel vehicles to be careful and look out for motorcycles to help keep
the roads safer for them. It’s sharing the road, slowing down, and not
falling into lazy habits like not using turn signals. Recognize that
mirrors in a car still allow for blind spots and to ensure a space is
clear best practice is to turn your head and look into the blind
spot.”

Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen and it leads to life ending
consequences. “Tragically, two fatal motorcycle mishaps occurred when
the drivers failed to see and turned into the rider. Changing the
driving habits of motorists and motorcyclists alike will help decrease
the number of motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are reminded to make
sure that they are visible to motorists, and that they strictly follow
the rules of the road,” said Murphy.

As for Sailors and Marines who intend on riding “two up,” training
isn’t just recommended. It’s mandated. “Motorcycle riders must complete
the two mandatory courses within 60 days after declaring intent to ride
and then complete refresher training every three years. In fact,
COMPACFLT policy directs service members who have not completed the
required training to cease riding until all training is completed.
Failure to do so is a violation of a general order. The training is
designed to make you safer; why not want that and take advantage of it?”
added Murphy.

“As a non-rider, I would offer that each mishap has an impact on the
Sailor, their command and their peers. When a Sailor is involved in a
serious crash resulting in injury or fatality their parents, siblings,
spouse, children and other relatives are affected. A deceased Sailor
will never have to deal with the personal repercussions of their death.
A Sailor who sustains life altering injuries may put additional burdens
of health care and financial loss onto those same family members,” said
Kingsbury.

In addition to the tremendous impact the loss of losing a Sailor has
on family members, according to Kingsbury, that impact is greatly felt
at the respective commands.

“Additionally, the Sailor's command loses an asset...a piece of the
team, a watch stander, a subject matter expert, an influential leader.
In some cases, this gap cannot be filled by the command and can result
in the department or command unable to be fully mission capable, he
said. “The loss of a Sailor also means other Sailors have to fill that
void. Someone has to pick up the duties and responsibilities; someone
has to stand the extra watch. The death or loss of a Sailor also has a
psychological and emotional impact on the Sailors at the command,
Kingsbury added.

In order to help minimize the possibility of injury, Kingsbury
emphasizes the need for both beginning and experienced riders to take
the risks seriously. “Riding a motorcycle has unique risks. Although PPE
does provide some amount of protection, the high speeds, instability and
exposure to the open environment motorcycle riders are exposed to makes
the impacts of any crash much more severe.”

Bottom line according to Kingsbury, there’s nothing better than
consistently applying proper techniques and lessons learned to enjoy the
road safely. “Training and experience are the best methods of preventing
mishaps. Command leadership should ensure that a proactive and healthy
Motorcycle Safety Program is in place and that Sailors who ride are
taking advantage of the training provided on our installations
world-wide. I would also encourage newer riders to ride with more
experienced Sailors until they have gained the experience they need to
reduce the hazards of riding,” Kingsbury concluded.

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